EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

West Brom 1-2 Everton

David Moyes named the same eleven that beat Newcastle last weekend, but Everton looked nothing but second-best during the opening minutes.

Everton struggled to get the ball. West Brom didn't look the side that you would expect being 19th in the Premiership.

On the 5th minute, West Brom almost opened the scoring when a Daniel Dichio header, from a Lee Hughes centre, came back off the crossbar, much to the relief of the travelling fans.

Albion continued to have the better of things, Everton keeper Richard Wright was forced into a diving save from a low Derek McInnes shot.

Wright was called upon again to catch a superbly struck volley from Jason Koumas.

The first goal finally came, A controversal penalty was given as Alan Stubbs was adjudged to have handled the ball inside his own area, and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.

Everton protests were waved away and Igor Balis sent Wright the wrong way to give Albion the lead – from, amazingly, their first ever Premiership penalty

Everton responded fast... just four minutes later a Mark Pembridge corner was headed home by DAVID WEIR for his first goal of the season.

The Toffees then sat back, Wright saved from Lee Hughes on the half-hour and then on 34th minute, Andy Johnson had an entry for the ‘Worst Miss of the Season’ competition. Hughes eluded Stubbs and squared the ball to Johnson who, from three yards out, placed an awful shot wide of the post!.

Five minutes before the break, Everton David Moyes was sent-off by the referee, following a heated argument with the officials.

Everton controlled the last five minutes, and should of scored a replica second goal just before the break when another Pembridge corner reached Weir, who headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Pembridge deliverd another corner, Hoult flapped at the ball, and Rooney cleverly pulled it back for Campbell to turn over the line!.

The second half began the way the first half did, with West Brom looking the better team. Neil Clement should have done a lot better when he was through on goal in the 52nd minute. With the goal gaping, the defender took too many touches and the chance was gone.

Wayne Rooney was foolishly cautioned in the 54th minute for kicking the ball away after being flagged offside.

West Brom continued to look dangerous, Hughes, still searching for his first goal of the season, almost found it when his angled volley on the turn tested Wright.

Rooney almost made it 3-1 just before the hour mark when he poked the ball past Hoult, but also past the near post. Gravesen joined the 17-year old in the referee’s notebook when he clattered into Hughes.

Not long after, the Dane was withdrawn in favour of Scot Gemmill and almost immediately, Albion nearly levelled when Dichio’s volley flashed past Wright’s left-hand upright!.

Everton quickly countered and Hoult had to be at his best to palm away a shot from Rooney.

Gary Naysmith came on for Pembridge and with 8 minutes remaining, Duncan Ferguson replaced Steve Watson.

As normal... Evertonians endured a nervous last ten minutes or so, but, again, they were celebrating at the final whistle as The Toffees stay 5th in the Premiership table... staying above local rivals Liverpool.